Owner`s manual

5
TOTAL ALKALINITY: No discussion of pH would be complete without looking at total alkalinity. In
water, there are minerals which act as buffering agents. Total Alkalinity is the measurement of these
alkaline materials. While this does not mean much to most of us, what is important is that these alkaline
materials play a significant role in helping to maintain the spa's pH. These alkaline materials help
prevent changes in the spa’s pH. At proper total alkalinity levels, the pH will be more stable. This
stabilizing is referred to as buffering the pH.
The total alkalinity on your spa should be kept at the following level:!!
Total Alkalinity - 80 to 140 Parts Per Million
In the event that the total alkalinity is out of range, the following problems may occur:
Spas with low total alkalinity levels need White River ph Buffer added to them. This product is a
powder and is very easy to add. For the proper dosages, see the container’s label, or use the chart
below. (Note, 1 tablespoon pH Buffer equals 1/2 ounce.)
High total alkalinity spas require the same chemical as is used on a spa with a high pH. (WHITE RIVER
LIQUID pH DECREASE) When adjusting the total alkalinity with this product, follow the dosage and
directions as spelled out in the pH section.
If you want to save your spa’s equipment, and also save money on chemicals, then keeping the total
alkalinity in range is a must. In the event that the pH and total alkalinity both need to be adjusted, always
adjust the total alkalinity first, since this acts as a buffer for the pH.
Alkalinity Level
Problem
Alkalinity Too Low
• pH is difficult to maintain - It drifts
• Corrodes surfaces and equipment
• Stains spa surfaces
Alkalinity Too High
• pH is difficult to adjust - It remains fixed
• Scales equipment and surfaces
• Makes water cloudy
• Since pH stays high, sanitizer efficiency drops
Gallons
10ppm
20ppm
30ppm
40ppm
50ppm
60ppm
70ppm
80ppm
90ppm
100ppm
100
11/2
tsp
1
tbs
11/2
tbs
2
tbs
21/2
tbs
3
tbs
31/2
tbs
1/4
cup
1/3
cup
1/3
cup
1000
1/3
cup
1/2
cup
1
cup
1
cup
1 1/2
cups
1 3/4
cups
2
cups
2 1/2
cups
2 3/4
cups
3
cups